Milanofiori Residential Complex by OBR Open Building Research; photo courtesy of OBR

Translucent sheets of glass reflect the sky above this residential complex, which, together with adjoining commercial premises such as offices, hotels, restaurants and cinemas, forms a multifunctional development Milanofiori realised by a Genova-based practice Open Building Research (OBR). Comprising 107, park-overlooking apartments, the 2010-completed complex ‘seeks the symbiosis between architecture and landscape, so that the synthesis of artificial and natural elements could define the quality of living and the sense of belonging by the inhabitants.’

Milanofiori Residential Complex by OBR Open Building Research; photo courtesy of OBR

More about the project:

‘The Masterplan of Milanofiori is characterized by a series of functions (offices, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, leisure, residences) that define together a cluster whose elements appear to follow the characteristics of the surrounding landscape creating a public park as the extension of the existing forest. The interface between the building and the garden becomes the field where interaction between man and environment takes place. This interface is defined by the “C” form of the complex which encompasses the public park, and by the porosity from interior to exterior that characterizes all 107 apartments.

‘The geometry of the building is shaped by translation of the upper levels in line with positions of optimum solar exposure and by tapering of the external terraces in order to increase introspection among residents.’

Milanofiori Residential Complex by OBR Open Building Research; photo courtesy of OBR

Milanofiori Residential Complex by OBR Open Building Research; photo courtesy of OBR

Milanofiori Residential Complex by OBR Open Building Research; photo courtesy of OBR

Milanofiori Residential Complex by OBR Open Building Research; photo courtesy of OBR

Milanofiori Residential Complex by OBR Open Building Research; photo courtesy of OBR